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Whether or not it feels like it yet, we are on our way into the fall and winter seasons, which means cooler weather. And depending on where you live, this could mean rain and snow—which may spell trouble for the plants in your garden! Plan ahead with these garden weatherproofing tips:

Add Compost for Better Drainage

Not only is compost a great fertilizer, as it provides plants with rich nutrients to promote healthy growth, but it also helps your soil drain properly during heavy rainfall. Plus, healthy, compost-rich soil attracts earthworms, which further aerate the soil. Use compost that is thick with green, fibrous matter and layer 2-3 inches on your plant beds.

Add Mulch to Prevent Erosion

Keep your plant beds from eroding due to rain and runoff by adding mulch (preferably after adding a layer of compost). Not only will mulch prevent rain erosion, but it helps the plants absorb more water and also prevents diseases caused by fungus. The mulch will insulate plants when the cold winter weather hits. Choose organic mulch with large pieces of bark and hardwood so that it remains in place through the windy and rainy season.

Get Rust-Resistant Window Boxes

Don’t forget about the plants in your window boxes! These plants need protection from the wind, rain, and freezing weather too. But first, check that your window boxes are made of a durable enough material to withstand the weather. Consider replacing less durable window boxes with one of our Copper or Bronze Window Boxes, both of which will never rust—even after consistent rain and snow. Plus their timeless design offsets flowers and greenery, and the copper ages into a beautiful patina over time.

Another window box warrior that withstands extreme weather—including freezing conditions—is our Wrought Iron Window Boxes. Made from steel, which has been powder-coated for further protection, these charming window boxes are reminiscent of European villas. Brought into the modern age, our wrought iron window box designs include simple and streamlined styles as well as Old World favorites. Mount them to your exterior wall under your windows or your deck railing, or place them on a fence wall.

Protect Plants with a Cover

During freezing conditions, you can’t always bring plants inside to prevent frost damage. Use fabric, a sheet, a drop cloth, or even a cardboard box to cover your plants at night, protecting them from frost damage. Make sure that the cover reaches all the way to the ground, trapping warmth inside. Remove covers during the day, when the temperature rises.

Plant Weather-Tolerant Plants

If you’re just planning your garden or want to dig up what you have and start from scratch, think about which plants work best for your climate. Do you get heavy rainfall? Does your soil tend to drain slowly, leaving a consistent amount of standing water? Is your garden buried under a pile of snow for part of the year? Here are lists of rain-, wind-, and snow-friendly plants that are ideal for your specific climate:

Plants for heavy rainfall

Blue-eyed grass

Dogwood

Holly

Monkey flower

Rosebay

Virginia bluebells

Wild geranium

Willow

Plants for windy conditions

American holly

Bayberry

Cabbage palm

Carolina silverbell

Crepe myrtle

Persimmon

Redbud

Viburnum

Plants for snowy conditions

Blue spruce

Camellias

Catmint

Coneflower

Hostas

Pansies

Primrose

Winterberries

Everything You Need for Your Fall & Winter Garden

From gardening tools to décor, we will help you create the cold-weather garden you imagine. Visit us at www.HooksandLattice.com or call us with questions and orders: 1-800-896-0978.